Planning a Birmingham trip anytime soon? The charming city offers several attractions for you to explore on your trip. However, where should you stay? What are the top places to explore beyond the vibrant city centre? What are some basics that you should keep in mind for living here? These are the questions we answer below in this article. 

Top Local Areas to Stay in Birmingham

You will discover several fascinating local areas to stay in Birmingham. Some of the top neighbourhoods include the following: 

  • Edgbaston- It is an affluent locality which is home to the sprawling Birmingham Botanical Gardens with 15 acres of lush green space. The Edgbaston Cricket Ground is also situated here and is a big attraction for cricket enthusiasts. 
  • Bournville- Venture out of the city centre and check out this pristine area that is family-friendly and showcases its rich heritage of Cadbury and chocolates. The model village for Cadbury factory workers is worth visiting for sure. You can also stay nearby for a unique experience.
  • Jewellery Quarter- You’ll find several residential spaces here, along with historic industrial structures. The vibrant atmosphere is a major draw, along with the rich history of the area. 
  • Digbeth & The Custard Factory- Young professionals love this trendy zone for its creative vibe, street art, bars and quaint independent cafes. 
  • Selly Oak- It is popular with students and is well-connected to the University of Birmingham. 
  • Harborne- You will appreciate the leafy and affluent suburb, which is well-connected to the city centre. It is a residential hotspot for both families and working professionals. 
  • Moseley- This is another hip and creative suburb, which is one of the top places to stay when you’re in Birmingham. 
  • Sutton Coldfield- Another leafy suburb, it’s a posh area and offers a village-like feel. It is home to the lovely Sutton Park and offers a robust community vibe. 
  • Brindleyplace- The lovely canal-side location defines the appeal of the place, along with its flourishing office sector and easy access to the Utilita Arena. 
  • Eastside- Another student hub, it is located near Aston University. 
  • Bordesley Green- There are more affordable housing choices here, along with proximity to transport facilities and local stores. 

Getting Around Birmingham- Travel Tips

Here are some tips on travelling in and around Birmingham that you may find useful: 

  • The city has local train services throughout the day, with multiple suburban stations linked to the Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street stations. 
  • There is a vast bus network that links the city centre to Edgbaston, Harborne and many other areas. 
  • You can always cycle or walk along the canal network to quickly get around, with most suburban areas within 15-30 minutes of the centre by car or public transportation. 
  • TfWM (Transport for West Midlands) also manages a network of trains, buses and trams throughout the area, while the West Midlands Metro (Tram) functions between Wolverhampton and Birmingham with more than 30 stops. You can buy tickets on board or through the MyMetro app. 
  • You will also find 700+ free parking spaces across designated stations for driving with train or tram travel. 
  • The Birmingham Airport is well-connected to the Birmingham International Station with a two-minute free monorail ride. There are trains at frequencies of 15-20 minutes going to the city centre. 
  • You can use the TfWM website or app to plan your journeys and buy tickets for better experiences. 

Birmingham Living Basics- What You Should Know

Some basics of living in Birmingham can be summed up below:

  • The cost of living in Birmingham is considerably lower than in London, with reasonable dining and housing prices.
  • Birmingham’s Bournville and Edgbaston have incredibly low crime rates and strong communities. 
  • Beyond the centre, local residents enjoy spending time at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and other parks, along with sitting down at independent cafes in Moseley and other areas.
  • The city is multicultural and diverse, with almost all neighbourhoods having unique vibes of their own. 
  • You should take public transport as much as you can, including the West Midlands Metro tram and National Express West Midlands buses. The Swift card may be helpful for pay-as-you-go travel experiences. 
  • Birmingham has a vast canal network, which covers more miles in comparison to Venice. You can cycle or walk along the paths to Mailbox from Brindleyplace for lovely views, cafes and excellent dining experiences. 
  • You will enjoy special experiences in multiple neighbourhoods. For example, Digbeth is known for its independent cafes, Custard Factory and street art, while the city centre is synonymous with high-end retail at the Bullring and Mailbox. Bennett's Hill, for instance, is the best place to go if you’re looking to check out some fascinating eateries. 
  • When in Birmingham, only hail licensed black taxis or pre-ordered cabs. 
  • Summer and spring are the best times for walking around, although the city can be visited throughout the year. 
  • The main railway hub is Birmingham New Street Station, which offers direct 90-minute connectivity from the city of London. 
  • Birmingham is home to multiple hotels and conventional rentals, while serviced apartments in Birmingham are more preferred for long-term stays. 

As you can see, Birmingham offers multiple attractions for you to explore, along with a thriving local community and excellent public transportation options. Here’s wishing you a wonderful trip ahead!